Looking to purchase a seadoo speedster 150 or ???

[OrangeTJ]

Smclear....fantastic summary. I've always wanted more real world accounts of jet boats. I think your description of a "wet" boat is very helpful in determining if a jet boat is the right boat for someone.

Not all jet driven boats have a wet ride. The very small boats like the 150, etc., sure, but that doesn't really apply to the 19 - 24 foot models on the market. Of course, those boats don't have the same thrill factor as the little speedsters! In short, there is a pretty broad range of "jet boats" - from big block powered open-stacked flat bottom monsters to boats like the 150 being discussed here to 24 foot long, 8'6" wide 20 degree deadrise family boats. Let's not forget the jet driven fishing boats (i.e. North River, etc.). In other words, they aren't all the same or even really all that similar.

 

[H20Rat]

I've had numerous sugar sand jet boats, and my recommendation is exactly the same as smclear! There is a lot of FUD out there from jet boats, a lot of it comes from people's opinions of the old school big block jets.

But the concerning part that the OP posted is concern about fuel cost.. ANY boat, when run hard, is going to be $$$ on fuel. If you are looking at boats because of fuel economy, you are going to have a rude awaking when you get it out on the water. Going through two tanks (20+ gallons) on a nice weekend isn't too hard to do. If gas gets up to $4/gallon again, which it most likely will, you are talking $150 in fuel alone. My jet boat can empty its tanks out, but so can my 4.3l powered deck boat.

 

[keith2k455]

OrangeTJ...you make a good point. It's unfair to lump them all together. We do know the hull is a way bigger factor than motor